Sheikh Muhammad Ridwan
The Ashanti Regional Zongo Peace and Reconciliation Committee has condemned the killing of Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, who was gunned down at his residence at Asawase F-Line near the community centre.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chairman of the Committee, Sheikh Muhammad Ridwan, described the incident as “a regrettable act of violence” and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the Kusasi fraternity, and the entire community.
“This act of violence is not only unfortunate but also threatens the peace and security we are all working to protect,” the statement read.
The Committee has called on residents to remain calm and allow the police to conduct thorough investigations, warning against speculations or attempts to link the killing to ethnic tensions without evidence.
Sheikh Ridwan urged the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing the importance of restoring public confidence.
The statement also highlighted the Committee’s operational challenges, citing inadequate logistics and resources as major setbacks to proactive peacebuilding. “With proper support, early intervention could have prevented this tragedy,” it noted.
The Committee revealed that it had recently facilitated peace talks between two feuding factions, following directives from the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence in the region.
Calling for collective responsibility, the Peace Committee urged the government, civil society, and all stakeholders to strengthen support for peacebuilding initiatives.
“Peace is a shared responsibility. Let us all work together to preserve it,” Sheikh Ridwan emphasised.
From David Afum, Kumasi